Search age:

Search in:

Socceroo Archie aims high for World Cup

Greg Buckle

Veteran Socceroo Archie Thompson says the team's celebrations after qualifying for the World Cup are in the past and he's steeling himself for a long campaign in a bid to put himself on the plane to Brazil.

The 34-year-old striker was a second-half substitute in last week's 1-0 win over Iraq in Sydney which put Holger Osieck's men onto the game's biggest stage.

However, it was back to business on Tuesday as Thompson slogged it out at training for his A-League club Melbourne Victory.

It's a long pre-season for Thompson before the competition starts in October, but Australia's East Asian Cup campaign next month is another chance to put himself in the frame for 2014 World Cup selection.

Advertisement

"We had an amazing week last week," Thompson told reporters.

"Basically for all Australian players now, you've got to put your head down and knuckle down.

"It's a World Cup year and we're there and it's back to business.

"I've got 12 months to do my best.

"There's only 23 seats that go to Brazil and there's a lot of good players out there."

Thompson and Victory defender Mark Milligan are likely to be in action in the East Asian Cup in South Korea on July 20 to 28 against Japan, China and the hosts.

"I think we're in camp next week, " Thompson said.

"It gives Holger a chance to look at these players so it's a good opportunity for the A-League boys who want to play in a World Cup, even myself to show that I'm ready for it."

Thompson said he treasured the special moments after the win over Iraq, including the on-field celebrations.

"I want some more special moments coming in the next 12 months," he said.

"It would be icing on the cake of my career is if I can got to another World Cup."

Milligan, who has been to two World Cups without playing a minute, says the East Asian Cup is a chance to show himself to the boss.

"It's a very long time, a year in football. Anything can happen," said the 27-year-old Milligan, who made his international debut in 2006.

"It's just important now that I come here and we have a successful season with Victory as a group."